Book Review: “Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code” by Ruha Benjamin
Hey tech junkies and social justice enthusiasts! I just finished reading “Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code” by Ruha Benjamin, and I’m super excited to share my thoughts with you.
This book is a real eye-opener on how technology isn’t as neutral as we think—it’s packed with hidden biases and can actually reinforce racial inequalities.
Intro:
Ruha Benjamin nails it by breaking down the “New Jim Code,” a term she uses to describe how modern tech replicates the racial discrimination of the Jim Crow era. Through clear and engaging examples, she shows us how algorithms, AI, and data-driven systems often embed racial bias, leading to a new kind of digital discrimination.
Key Themes:
What makes this book stand out is Benjamin’s ability to explain these complex issues in a way that’s easy to understand. She doesn’t just stop at pointing out the problems. She emphasizes the need for an abolitionist approach to truly dismantle these oppressive systems. Reform isn’t enough—we need to dig deep, uproot the biases in tech, and build systems that promote equity and justice. Benjamin really drives home the point that this requires collective action and a focus on the experiences of marginalized communities.
The book is packed with many examples and case studies that show how tech impacts different areas like criminal justice, education, employment, and healthcare. It’s shocking to see how predictive policing algorithms target communities of color more aggressively or how biased hiring tools can perpetuate discriminatory practices. Benjamin does a great job tabling these issues and making us think critically about the tech we often take for granted.
But it’s not all doom and gloom—Benjamin also explores alternative futures and offers a blueprint for a more just and equitable world. She highlights the work of activists, artists, and scholars who are using tech to challenge and disrupt these oppressive systems. Her focus on equity, justice, and collective liberation provides a hopeful roadmap for how we can leverage technology for social transformation.
The Outro:
“Race After Technology” is more than just a book—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re an individual, policymaker, or technologist, Benjamin challenges us all to scrutinize the biases in our tech and work actively towards creating a more inclusive digital world. She invites us to engage in deeper conversations about the social implications of technology and to become agents of change in dismantling the New Jim Code.
If you’re interested in how tech intersects with social justice, or if you’re committed to fighting systemic racism, this book is a must-read. Ruha Benjamin’s insightful analysis and visionary call for abolitionist tools challenge us to confront the inequalities in our digital society and strive for a more just future. Don’t miss out on this essential read!